What Makes a 'Smart' Meter so Smart?

Utility employees now read meters once a month. Smart meters can provide usage data daily, hourly or even in 30-minute intervals. Eventually the utility will be able to remotely read meters and connect or disconnect power without sending someone out to do it.

AARP will ask the General Assembly to ensure that smart meters and variable rates are voluntary. AARP is concerned that older people may not be able to cut their usage because of medical needs and that some low-income or sick people could be hurt if power is shut off without a home visit. AARP is opposed to pricing tied to the time of day that energy is used.

Richard Rick Walden, director of advanced metering infrastructure for Dominion, said variable rates will be voluntary. "Those who want to participate can. Seniors may not be as interested and can stay on their old rate. Ours is not an opt-out program. It's opt-in," Walden said.

Dominion contends that smart metering and other measures will save its customers $1.2 billion over 15 years. Some of the savings would come from voltage conservation, in which the company reduces the voltage to houses to save fuel and lower costs —but so slightly that residents don't notice.

AARP also is concerned about cost. Dominion estimates each smart meter will cost $225 to $250, payable by customers over time through their electric bills. In addition, customers who want to monitor their own usage will need to buy software or other devices. The two-way communication system will supply energy providers with unprecedented details of customer usage. AARP wants to ensure that information is not shared with third parties or used to market products or services. Walden said it would remain private.

The savings in voltage conservation alone will offset the cost to consumers of higher rates and meters, Walden said. Customers will not have to do a single thing and still be able to save money. Dominion projects smart meters and other technology will cut energy consumption an average of 4 percent.